Getting a decent cup out of a commercial Keurig?

[Cray]

Alright, gentlemen. With the wealth of coffee knowledge around here, someone must have an idea for getting a decent cup out of a commercial Keurig machine, right?

I mention "commercial" because the part of the machine that needs replacing in order to accept the reusable basket can't be taken out on a commercial unit.

So that said, the cups we get at work are generally pretty awful. It's not because they're expired - they're not, and some of the cups even show signs they weren't done offgassing when packaged (I try to use those when I find them). But man, calling this stuff "coffee" is a major stretch.

Is there any other method of using my own grounds in it (though I can't see how they'd steep long enough), or should I just go try some other brands of K-cups?

 

[danek]

I think a lot of people would bash the Keurig and all pod coffees as crap, but I happen to think some are pretty darned good. Just like different brands of razor blades, I've noticed a huge difference in brands of coffee. Some I didn't like at all, and some were quite nice - although fresh ground and brewed always won out.

I'm no expert, but I wonder if the trapped off gas that you notice in some pods are actually making the grounds go stale quicker than those that don't have as much CO2 trapped in the pod???

 

[Cray]

I'm no expert, but I wonder if the trapped off gas that you notice in some pods are actually making the grounds go stale quicker than those that don't have as much CO2 trapped in the pod???

Anything's possible. Frankly, it's bad enough to begin with that I can't say I notice! It even seems to vary between batches. The medium roast Columbian is usually my go-to, but it's not tasting very good this time around. I forget what brand, I'll double check when I get to work tomorrow.

Maybe a trip to Bed Bath and Beyond is in order, I know they carry a few brands of the cups.

 

[danek]

I've gifted my Keurig away, but I used to get my k-cups from www.justonecup.com. My favorite regular coffees were made by Diedrich, my least favorites were Green Mountain and Gloria Jeans.

 

[Jesus of Baghdad]

I recommend Green Mountain Breakfast Blend, Timothy's BB, and for a bolder cup, Coffee People's Donut Shop Coffee. Tried many kinds, but I find the milder blends work much better in a Keurig. BTW, have you ever tried coffee in a Tassimo? Bleck! Now THAT is bad coffee.

 

[Cray]

Van Houtte! That's what we have at work.

I recommend Green Mountain Breakfast Blend, Timothy's BB, and for a bolder cup, Coffee People's Donut Shop Coffee. Tried many kinds, but I find the milder blends work much better in a Keurig. BTW, have you ever tried coffee in a Tassimo? Bleck! Now THAT is bad coffee.

I'll take a look for those brands, thanks! Never tried a Tassimo, but I'll take your word for it.

 

[Gallagher]

You can buy empty K cups and put your own blend in them and then brew. I haven't done it personally, but my family and a few friends have, and liked it. Heres a link from Bed Bath and Beyond with the K cup filters. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14048278

 

[Jasonian]

You can buy empty K cups and put your own blend in them and then brew. I haven't done it personally, but my family and a few friends have, and liked it. Heres a link from Bed Bath and Beyond with the K cup filters. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14048278

That's probably the best idea.

If the brews are tasting sour, you might grind a little finer until you hit the sweet spot. If the brews are tasting bitter, try the opposite (grind coarser).

If it's tasting weak, use more coffee.

 

[Cray]

You can buy empty K cups and put your own blend in them and then brew. I haven't done it personally, but my family and a few friends have, and liked it. Heres a link from Bed Bath and Beyond with the K cup filters. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14048278

Those are the ones I mentioned in my first post. Unfortunately, they don't work with the commercial machines, only the home ones. You have to replace part of the machine to use it - the part that normally punches a hole in the bottom of the cup - and that part doesn't come out in commercial machines.

For now I'm still dealing with what we've got, but I'll be trying some of the other brands of cups from BB&B to see if they're better. I have a feeling they will be.

 

[Mpugh77]

I would never trade my Press or Drip for a Keurig.

 

[thebikingengineer]

I'd just set myself up with a hot pot and small french press if that was my only option. Bring in pre-ground beans from home (ground that morning if possible) and you'll be much better off.

 

[Jasonian]

Those are the ones I mentioned in my first post. Unfortunately, they don't work with the commercial machines, only the home ones. You have to replace part of the machine to use it - the part that normally punches a hole in the bottom of the cup - and that part doesn't come out in commercial machines.

For now I'm still dealing with what we've got, but I'll be trying some of the other brands of cups from BB&B to see if they're better. I have a feeling they will be.

In that case, why not just use an original cup? Wash it, tape the bottom shut (the machine can punch through it that way), fill with appropriate dose of ground coffee, and seal the top with some tape, plastic wrap, or whatever you think would be suitable.

Where there's a will, there is always a way.